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NSW and Qld Cup winners to face off

Ian McCullough

The NRL has announced plans for the winners of the NSW and Queensland Cup competitions to face off on grand final day next year.

Chief operating officer Jim Doyle says there is huge desire within the game for more focus on the second-tier competitions.

"We are looking to build greater connections between NRL clubs and those in both the NSW and Queensland," Doyle said on Friday.

"Seeing the winners of the two competitions playing on grand final day, for instance, is a way of underlining the links with the grassroots as well as a celebration of local heroes.

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"The Holden Cup is certainly going to remain a pivotal pathway in our game but more and more people will recognise the extent to which the State Leagues are the immediate springboard into the NRL."

Doyle says he hopes to complete the new salary cap review early next month and to present it club chief executives' approval at a December 4-5 meeting.

The review process has already included extensive consultation with clubs, sponsors, player managers and media representatives.

"We are still in the process of collecting and analysing all of the ideas out there," Doyle said.

"By the time we next meet with the CEOs, we will be looking for their input on the suggestions that we most want to see considered.

"Much of what we are talking about is going to affect the 2015 season and beyond but if there are short-term issues that don't impact on the financial planning already in place at clubs then we will look at those."

The 2014 season draw is expected to be finalised later this month and will again provide a fixed schedule for the first 20 rounds.

"At this stage, no matches are locked in but we do have all of the information we need from clubs and broadcasters and the process is well and truly underway," said NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.